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Justice of the Pies is the early-stage Chicago company created by Maya-Camille Broussard. Broussard’s specialty is baking exquisite sweet and savory pies. But the “Justice” part of the name is as important to Broussard, who dedicates her business to her late father, a criminal-defense attorney and avid baker.
BareItAll Petfoods was something of a fish out of water as a participant of FamilyFarmed’s Financing Fair on June 19 — which is singularly focused on people food, and BareItAll makes pet treats from freeze-dried fish. But the type of fish used by the Chicago start-up is what made their Good Food Financing Fair debut a swimming success. They are harvesting Asian carp, an aggressive invasive species that is wreaking ecological havoc on Midwestern river systems — and presenting a major threat to the Great Lakes fisheries if they manage to gain access to Lake Michigan.
The proverb says that necessity is the mother of invention. Yet for the team who founded ready to BRANDS, it was impending motherhood — and a rare and debilitating condition associated with it — that necessitated their invention of ready to EASE, a nausea relief product that can be taken as an ice pop or liquid shot. The power of Mark Muller’s creative response to a critical situation — and the simple appeal of his organic, all-natural product — helped ready to BRANDS win a highly competitive Pitch Slam, beating out eight other outstanding business startups at FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Financing & Innovation Conference in June.
Through most of its history, the company now known as Ingredion might have raised eyebrows participating in a Good Food event. Known as Corn Products from its founding in 1906 until its re-branding in 2012, the company produced commercial-scale oils, starches and sweeteners — including corn syrup that for many years was ubiquitous in many of the nation’s consumer packaged goods. But times have changed, with consumers demanding food with healthier and more natural ingredients. And Ingredion has changed with the times. That is why the Ingredion for Emerging Business program partnered with The Hatchery — a growing Chicago food business incubator — and FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Accelerator in a presentation on its chef-driven Culinology program, which plays a central role in keeping Ingredion current with consumer and restaurant trends.
by Bob Benenson, FamilyFarmed Investors’ interest in early-stage Good Food businesses began to grow quickly about a decade ago, as venture capital began to recognize the profitable opportunities presented by the fast-rising consumer demand for locally and sustainably produced fresh and processed food. FamilyFarmed’s recognition of this trend spawned the creation of its Good Food Read more about Good Food Businesses Prosper As Investor Interest Grows[…]
In five short years since its launch, Simple Mills has enjoyed remarkable growth with its packaged baked goods and baking products, all of which are gluten free, grain free, soy free, non-GMO, and Paleo friendly. Founder/CEO Katlin Smith will discuss Simple Mills’ rapid rise next Tuesday (June 19) at FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Financing & Innovation Conference in Chicago, on a panel titled “Breakthrough Entrepreneurs Talk Innovation.”
FamilyFarmed’s 8th annual Good Food Financing & Innovation Conference — to be held June 19 in Chicago — is the Midwest’s premier business and investment event focused on local and sustainable food. And as usual, the Financing Fair is the heart of the Conference’s entrepreneurial programming. This article will introduce you to the 38 companies who will participate in this year’s Financing Fair.
FamilyFarmed, a leading nonprofit advocate for a better food system, is happy to introduce you to the program for its 8th annual Good Food Financing & Innovation Conference. The Midwest’s premier business gathering focused on locally and sustainably produced food will be held Tuesday, June 19 at the Morgan Manufacturing event space in Chicago’s West Loop — and it has its strongest-ever lineup of industry experts discussing cutting-edge issues.
The technology behind blockchain is complicated, but its potentially enormous benefits to food businesses are simpler to explain. Blockchain enables producers to prove their product claims and, via an app, provide that information in an easily accessible form to consumers who care deeply about where their food comes from. It also provides near-instant traceability that can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to pinpoint the source of a food safety problem.
Shared kitchens provide often-crucial workspaces to food entrepreneurs who have products they think will sell, but lack the money to either build their own production facilities or contract with co-manufacturers. Now, Chicago startups have an important new resource with the May 3 grand opening of Pilotworks’ new shared kitchen and business incubator.
Michael Bashaw of Whole Foods Market knows all about change. During more than two decades with the company — rising from meat cutter to Midwest regional president, a position he has held since 2009 — Bashaw was part of Whole Foods’ development into the nation’s biggest natural and organic food supermarket chain. And for nearly a year, he has been managing change as Whole Foods adjusts to Amazon’s purchase and takeover of the company. So Bashaw chose change as the subject of his talk at the recent graduation ceremony for the fourth cohort of FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Accelerator program
by Bob Benenson, FamilyFarmed FamilyFarmed always approaches the graduation of its latest Good Food Accelerator cohort with gratitude and anticipation. We are grateful that we get to work with and assist promising entrepreneurs who are seeking to grow their companies (and also happen to be super-nice people too). The anticipation is looking forward to the Read more about New Good Food Accelerator Grads Ready To Put Pedal To The Metal[…]
The Good Food movement has gained major ground in recent years, driven by fast-rising consumer demand for better and healthier products. One tangible proof of that is in the growing community of investors who are helping Good Food companies start up and grow. One such company is Chicago’s Spiral Sun Ventures, whose tag line is “Investing In Healthy.” Spiral Sun works mainly with small, early-stage companies. The firm also is a friend of FamilyFarmed, and they exhibited at our 2017 Good Food EXPO. More than that, there are Spiral Sun clients who also are FamilyFarmed Good Food Accelerator Fellows or regular exhibitors at our Good Food Expo.
Debbie Wood is the founder and owner of No Denial Foods, which produces sumptuous snack mixes and baked goods from grain-free, low-sugar recipes she created to address her own health issues. Debbie exhibited at FamilyFarmed’s Good Food EXPO in March 2017 and enjoyed record on-site sales. The experience prompted her to join the current fourth cohort of FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Accelerator.
Cultured Love, based in Holland, Michigan, produces healthy, probiotic sauerkrauts in a variety of traditional and innovative flavors. Jodie and Paul Krumpe founded the company in 2014 after family illness led them to deeply research the connections between food and health. They exhibited at FamilyFarmed’s Good Food EXPO in March 2017 and enjoyed record on-site sales, an experience that prompted them to apply and get accepted for the current fourth cohort of FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Accelerator.
We are proud to present the finale of our three-part series of food and farm entrepreneur stories that underscore the impact you can have by making a tax-deductible donation to FamilyFarmed. Today, we feature our Farmer Training program, built around our Wholesale Success and Direct Market Success manuals, that has provided workshops for more than 13,700 farmers in 43 states on best practices in farm operations, handling, food safety, and marketing.
Everyone eats, and what you eat matters — which is why we at FamilyFarmed are proud of our work growing the availability of Good Food. In the coming weeks, we’ll share stories of the local food and farm entrepreneurs whose mission to produce Good Food has been served by FamilyFarmed, thanks to contributions from Good Foodies like you. We ask for your support so these programs thrive and we can continue to develop new and innovative Good Food initiatives in 2018.
FamilyFarmed’s annual Giving campaign is under way, and to highlight the work we do to build a better food system, we are running a series of profiles of great businesses that have participated in our programs. Today we look at FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Accelerator through the eyes of Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies, who graduated in April in the program’s 3rd cohort of entrepreneur Fellows.
Whole Foods Market has been a longtime partner in FamilyFarmed’s effort to build a better food system. So when we saw that Sustainable Food News had published a piece on Whole Foods’ top 10 trends for 2018, we knew it would be share-worthy.
FamilyFarmed is getting close to announcing the roster of competitively selected Fellows who will participate (from November to April) in the fourth cohort of its Good Food Accelerator. So as a warmup, we’re recalling the nine great business from the third cohort that graduated last spring.


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THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE SHOWCASES MARYLAND MAKERS FOR THE FIFTH YEAR
DrinkMaryland: Centreville Showcases Local Makers, Artisans, and Musicians this June
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2022
(CENTREVILLE, MD) – The Town of Centreville has teamed up with the Maryland Wineries Association for its fifth celebration of local makers at DrinkMaryland. The annual, open-air market featuring juried artisans, local food, live music, and craft alcohol will be hosted at Courthouse Square on Saturday, June 18. Admission to the event is free and attendees over the age of 21 are encouraged to purchase tasting passes to explore local wine, beer, and spirits.
“Since 2017, DrinkMaryland has provided the Maryland Wineries Association the opportunity to celebrate curated local talent in Centreville,” said Jim Bauckman, Director of Communications for the Maryland Wineries Association.
Local residents and visitors to Centreville are invited to join the fun, located at Lawyer’s Row and Broadway, from 12:00 – 5:00 pm. Food vendors featuring fare including crab cakes, lobster rolls, traditional barbecue, and a variety of festival fare will be on site all day. Unique crafts, gifts, and clothing will be available from a juried selection of artisans. Fans of wine, beer, and spirits may purchase a tasting pass to visit Maryland craft alcohol producers for samples and sales.
Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach, returns as the event’s emcee. Forster will guide attendees in a toast commemorating the fifth anniversary and share wine tasting tips throughout the day. Singer-songwriter, J. Coursey Willis is scheduled to share the DrinkMaryland stage with his band, the Stone Authors, and the Justin Taylor Band.
“When Centreville volunteers gathered in 2016 to create a new signature event to attract visitors they had no idea that their vision would result in what would become a much beloved event for locals as well,” says Carol D’Agostino, Centreville Main Street manager. “Our event concept came to fruition when we approached the Maryland Wineries Association in 2017 to partner with us in our shared commitment to celebrating Maryland’s craft beverage makers, artisans, and entertainers,” she adds.
DrinkMaryland: Centreville has gained incredible support from a variety of state, county, and local businesses and organizations, including The Beres Group at RE/MAXExecutive, Queenstown Bank, Rosendale Realty, the Rural Maryland Council, Queen Anne’s County Library, Second Wind Contracting, and Shore United Bank.
“Our Maryland makers event would not be possible if not for our corporate sponsors as well as our volunteers who work tirelessly to plan and execute this amazing event,” adds D’Agostino,
Following this year’s stop in Centreville, DrinkMaryland has scheduled stops in North Beach on June 25 and in Gaithersburg on September 9. Advanced tasting passes for DrinkMaryland: Centreville may be purchased at a discounted rate through June 17. Visit https://drinkmaryland.org today for more event details, including a list of vendors, and to purchase your tasting passes.
About DrinkMaryland. The DrinkMaryland branded event series began in North Beach in 2016 and works with communities throughout the state to bring neighbors together and highlight local talent. These events center around food and arts and feature wineries and craft alcohol producers as members of the Maryland maker community.
About Centreville, Maryland.
About the Maryland Wineries Association. The Maryland Wineries Association (MWA), formed in 1984, is the non-profit trade association that represents more than 85 member wineries in Maryland. MWA’s mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland – through education and promotion.

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We could soon see parcels delivered by parachute if technology giant Amazon gets its way.
The Online merchant has just been granted a patent for a mechanism to allow parcels to be dropped by chute onto customers property.
It comes less then six months after the firm made the world's first delivery by aerial drone in Cambridgeshire.
And earlier this year the firm announced it was expanding its research and development base in Cambridge. It already has one base in the city, but will open another site near the train station with the capacity for over 400 employees to be based there.
It's part of the company's commitment to developing drone technology


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The BI Intelligence Content Marketing Team covers news & research we think you would find valuable. This topic was originally highlighted and sent to subscribers of the Mobile Insider newsletter.
Spending on augmented and virtual reality has reached unprecedented levels.
Investment in these two areas has already eclipsed $1.1 billion after just two months of 2016, according to Digi-Capital. For perspective, spending on AR and VR has never surpassed $1 billion in a single calendar year, and the number reached just $692 million in 2015.
It's clear that interest in AR and VR is booming as major tech companies are trying to secure a place in this nascent market. Goldman Sachs has estimated that the AR/VR market will reach $80 billion by 2025, which makes sense considering that heavy hitters such as Facebook, Sony, HTC, Microsoft, Google, and Samsung are all getting into the space.
Much of the consumer interest has centered on VR, but AR seems to be drawing the interest of investors. Magic Leap, a U.S. startup that develops AR tech, has received the largest piece of the pie in the last 14 months. Worldwide powers such as Google and Alibaba, among others, have invested $1.39 billion in the company, including an $800 million Round C in February.
AR likely has a leg up because it offers more future use cases than VR, notes Laurie Beaver, research associate for BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service. VR completely engages users in a virtual world, but AR projects images and information onto the real world.
Adoption of both of these technologies is likely to be slow at first, thanks in part to the high cost of the hardware involved, but once the ball starts rolling, be prepared for AR and VR to change the way we interact with our world.
BI Intelligence has compiled a detailed report on virtual reality hardware that provides proprietary forecasts for VR headset shipments and revenue and estimates average selling price over the next five years. The report also takes a look at the different types of VR headset technology now on the market, discusses which categories will win out, and looks at several use cases for VR headsets, including gaming and other.
Here are some key points from the report:
- Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are debuting on the consumer market and set to launch an advanced and immersive content platform. We estimate shipments of VR headsets will grow at a swift 99% compound annual growth rate between 2015 and 2020.
- VR shipments will create a $2.8 billion hardware market by 2020, up from an estimated $37 million market this year.
- VR headsets are a fairly low-cost consumer electronics category, and this will help drive adoption. The devices will be priced similarly to smartwatches and also need to pair with another standalone computing device.
- Demand for VR headsets will be fueled by gaming on both mobile and console devices. There are 1.2 billion gamers worldwide, including nearly 1 billion mobile gamers alone. This creates a direct, addressable market for VR headsets.
- Beyond gaming, VR will be an important platform for streaming content and even shopping. Oculus has already experimented with Story Studio, a platform for VR movie creation. In addition, many consumers claim the VR experience will drive them to shop more online rather than in stores.
In full, the report:
- Forecasts annual shipments of VR headsets between 2015 and 2020.
- Sizes the market for VR headset shipments by revenue and anticipates how the VR headset average selling price will trend.
- Breaks down VR headset shipments by category, including traditional VR headsets, smartphone-mounted VR headsets, and gaming-console headsets.
- Pinpoints the gaming console market as a key driver of demand for VR headsets.
- Discusses the opportunity for VR content creation in gaming, streaming video, and shopping.
To get your copy of this invaluable guide, choose one of these options:
- Subscribe to an ALL-ACCESS Membership with BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report AND over 100 other expertly researched deep-dive reports, subscriptions to all of our daily newsletters, and much more. >> START A MEMBERSHIP
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The choice is yours. But however you decide to acquire this report, you’ve given yourself a powerful advantage in your understanding of the emerging world of virtual reality hardware.


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|500Foods shared this story from Produce Ops Feed.|
The Giumarra Cos., Los Angeles, is testing deliveries of fruit by planes without pilots and has had its first successful flight.
Tim Riley, president of Giumarra Cos., called the program “groundbreaking” and will transform the future of the industry.
Giumarra is working with start-up Robotics Corp., Mountain View, Calif., using technology developed by the company. Giumarra is pursuing the program “to help address supply chain and delivery challenges within the fresh produce industry,” according to a news release.
The company’s first flight, a 200-mile trip from Reedley Municipal Airport to Whiteman Airport, Los Angeles, was Aug. 7.
“This test proved that the technology is viable and will evolve the way we bring products to market by enabling us to deliver fresher, riper fruit anywhere in the country, including remote food deserts, at speeds never before seen,” Riley said in the release.
The automated Cessna 172 Skyhawk included a pilot and engineer on board “for safety assurance,” according to the release. Reliable Robotics’ first fully autonomous flight was last year. It has also successfully landed the larger Cessna 208 Caravan and is in the process of certifying it for the program as “an ideal for air shipments of produce,” according to the release.
Giumarra shipped peaches from Reedley to Los Angeles for area Gelson’s stores on Aug. 7 in a piloted Cessna 208.
“Giumarra is a forward-thinking company and we’re proud to partner with them to show how automated cargo flights can greatly improve fresh food distribution,” Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics, said in the release. “We believe autonomous aviation is going to change the way we experience food, for the better.”
The program’s benefits for the industry, according to the release, are:
Efficient delivery of fresh produce to stores in less time, resulting in less shrink;
Produce can be on shelves 24-48 hours after harvest; and
Growers can focus on varieties optimized for flavor and texture rather than long-haul transportation.
The tech company was founded in 2017 by former employees of SpaceX and Tesla. It has raised $33.5 million in two funding rounds, according to the release, and is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to bring the tech to market incrementally.


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ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Hundreds of Croatian taxi drivers protested Friday against Uber services, disrupting traffic at the height of the tourist season in the Adriatic country.Protesting taxi drivers caused a major traffic slowdown outside the main tourism center of Dubrovnik, authorities said. Demonstrations also disrupted traffic around the airports in Split and Zagreb, the capital.Protesters demand that the U.S.-based ride-hailing company's app be banned, claiming it has been operating illegally in the country for two years. Croatia's taxi drivers also protested against Uber in June."We want the laws to be equal for everyone," protester Bozo Maletic said.
NYS Entity Status
NYS Filing Date
OCTOBER 04, 2013
NYS DOS ID#
UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC.
7014 13TH AVENUE
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, 11228
NYS Entity Type
DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
2013 - AAA AIRPORT & TAXI SERVICE LLC
AROUND THE WEB
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Friday Jul 28, 2017
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By Andrew Husband - Monday Jul 3, 2017
A taxi cab drove off the road and into a crowd of pedestrians just outside the taxi pool at Boston Logan Airport.
- Uniqlo Wants To Sell Shirts In Airport Vending Machines
By Mary Beth Quirk - Wednesday Aug 2, 2017
Splashed by a cab in the rain at the airport? Hit by a bit of projectile vomit unleashed by your offspring? Uniqlo will sell you a shirt out of a vending machine at the airport.The retailer, owned by The Fast Retailing Co., will install 10 clothing vending machines over the next month or so in airports and malls near …
- Neighborhood Joint: Staubitz Market in Brooklyn: 100 Years of Sawdust, Steaks and Chops
By ANDREW COTTO - Wednesday Jun 14, 2017
A display contains frozen items, and the shelves are stocked with jars and cans. But there’s just one reason to visit this Boerum Hill business: meat.
- North Korea Accuses U.S. of ‘Mugging’ Its Diplomats in New York
By CHOE SANG-HUN - Sunday Jun 18, 2017
Officials returning from a United Nations conference were about to board a plane when federal agents seized a package they were carrying.
- Four Credit Repair Agencies Accused Of Misleading Customers, Charging Illegal Fees
By Ashlee Kieler - Tuesday Jun 27, 2017
Four different “credit repair” operations have been ordered to pay a total of more than $2 million in penalties for allegedly tricking people into thinking their bad credit could be easily fixed.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced today that it filed complaints and proposed judgments against Prime Credit, LLC, IMC Capital, LLC, Commercial Credit Consultants, and Park View Law, …


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Rave for self-driving car; rant for ill-fated app | Brier Dudley
It's time for another rant-and-rave column to say thanks — or thanks for nothing — to tech companies. Rave: To Google for giving...
Seattle Times staff columnist
It's time for another rant-and-rave column to say thanks — or thanks for nothing — to tech companies.
Rave: To Google for giving a blind man a spin in its self-driving car. As part of its experimentation with robotic cars, the company let Steve Mahan use the car to run errands around Silicon Valley, including a trip through a drive-through to pick up a taco.
Posting a YouTube video of the drive last week was a publicity move. But it was still inspiring, and showed how the research could benefit all kinds of people.
It also makes you wonder if Google is simultaneously exploring ways to be sure it can reach absolutely everyone with its targeted, location-aware mobile advertising.
Rant: To Microsoft for over-promising with last week's launch of the HBO Go app on Xbox Live.
Microsoft has been talking up the app since last June. It was in a suite of TV apps that were supposed to arrive in December.
Finally, with trumpets blaring, Microsoft announced on Tuesday that the HBO app was available, along with MLB and Comcast apps.
But it turns out the HBO app is blocked by the two largest cable companies, Comcast and Time Warner, because of licensing issues, so it's still not available to most people.
A Comcast spokesman said Friday that discussions were under way to make the app available, but still. I don't subscribe to HBO and I'm still ranting.
Rave: To the hot startup Pinterest for changing its terms of service recently. It no longer claims perpetual rights to photos and other material that users copy from other websites and paste into their Pinterest "collections."
Rant: To Pinterest for building a business that blithely encourages people to copy content from other companies' websites and post it at Pinterest. Haven't we been through this already with music and video?
Rave: To the Federal Trade Commission for suggesting a "Do Not Track" program for websites, similar to the "Do Not Call" program to block telemarketers. Privacy policies and account controls at sites like Facebook and Google get more confusing by the day. People are desperate for a simple and reliable way to prevent digital snooping.
Double raves if Do Not Track also works on the government's creepy new security policies, which let it store and snoop through the private information of any American for up to five years.
Rave: To Verizon Chief Executive Lowell McAdam for floating the concept of a la carte access to cable channels last week. He told The Wall Street Journal that Verizon is interested in that approach for a mobile video service it's planning to offer to cable and wireless customers.
Others already offer mobile video services — such as AT&T's U-verse, and a new TV app that T-Mobile USA announced last week.
But a la carte cable is something people have wanted ever since they began paying for cable-TV bundles. McAdam is adding a big voice to the chorus.
Rant: To wireless companies for luring customers with appealing new video services just as they're phasing out unlimited data plans. The per-minute cost of wireless video can be huge. How hard would it be to display the estimated data cost when you're about to stream a large file, similar to the way e-commerce sites display shipping costs before you make a purchase?
Rant: To Oracle for the annoying and kludgy Java updates it sends to Windows PCs. Did Oracle buy Sun Microsystems and the Java platform to harass customers of its old nemesis, Microsoft?
Rave: To Seattle's startup community. After my last rant-and-rave column, reader (and startup founder) Roy Leban suggested a big rave to entrepreneurs who put so much effort into helping others start and build new companies around here.
Any other suggestions?
Brier Dudley's column appears Mondays. Reach him at 206-515-5687 or email@example.com.
About Brier Dudley
Brier Dudley offers a critical look at technology and business issues affecting the Northwest.
firstname.lastname@example.org | 206-515-5687


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Just weeks after a former sneaker resale business owner was charged with orchestrating a multimillion-dollar wire and bank fraud Ponzi scheme, a court-appointed receiver is looking to unload nearly 60,000 pairs of shoes to raise funds for victims.
Michael Malekzadeh, the former owner of Zadeh Kicks LLC, a now-defunct Oregon corporation that sold limited-edition and collectible sneakers online, was criminally charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering on Aug. 3, accused of swindling $85 million out of customers and financial institutions.
Now, according to court documents viewed by Bloomberg, 59,780 pairs of shoes tucked away in a warehouse belonging to the man once described as “the Bernie Madoff of sneakers” are now being auctioned off by a court-appointed receiver.
Among the first to go: 1,100 or so pairs from Malekzadeh’s personal collection, both new and used, according to court documents.
And in his closely guarded warehouse, there are 4,746 Yeezys, 4,626 Adidas shoes, and 48,339 Nike shoes—a good chunk of which are believed to be highly coveted Air Jordans. Styles from Vans, Asics, New Balance, Converse, Puma and Reebok are also included in the sale.
Altogether, experts told Bloomberg that the still-boxed and tagged lot of shoes could be worth anywhere between $12 million and $20 million—at best. A far cry from the $70 million Malekzadeh is charged with defrauding out of customers.
According to Bloomberg, the goal is to sell as many of the sneakers as possible, as soon as possible, to reimburse thousands of customers who authorities say ordered shoes but never got them. Experts caution that even if all the sneakers sell, the amount raised wouldn’t go anywhere near covering what the victims are owed. Customers might not get their money back for months, if ever.
Federal prosecutors charged Malekzadeh, 39, with perpetrating a fraud scheme that allegedly cost customers more than $70 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of over $15 million. Bethany Mockerman, Malekzadeh’s 39-year-old fiancé, was also charged with conspiring with Malekzadeh to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, Malekzadeh started his business in 2013 by purchasing limited-edition and collectible sneakers to resell online. Beginning as early as January 2020, Zadeh Kicks began offering preorders of sneakers before their public release dates, allowing Malekzadeh to collect money upfront via PayPal or wire transfer before fulfilling orders. Malekzadeh advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed, the charges allege.
An example given in the court document showed that in 2021, Malekzadeh began selling preorders of Nike Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey sneakers. Zadeh Kicks received and accepted preorder sales of over 600,000 pairs of sneakers, resulting in payments to Malekzadeh of more than $70 million. Malekzadeh had no way of acquiring the quantity of sneakers needed to fill the preorders received. In fact, he was only able to acquire just over 6,000 pairs. Customers were either left with unfulfilled orders or they received a combination refund of cash and Zadeh Kicks gift cards.
By April 2022, Malekzadeh owed customers more than $70 million in undelivered sneakers and unknown additional millions held by customers in worthless company gift cards.
The court documents allege that Malekzadeh spent the proceeds from the preorders on luxury goods, including several million dollars worth of high-end automobiles from Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Mercedes, over $3 million paid to Louis Vuitton for luxury bags, purses and other items, a large quantity of jewelry, several furs, and millions of dollars in watches ranging in value from a few thousand dollars to over $600,000.
What’s more, American Express filed a lawsuit against Malekzadeh and Mockerman in July seeking $2 million and $3,000 in monetary damages, respectively, as it seeks to recover unpaid balances spread across three cards used by the Zadeh Kicks business and Mockerman.


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Fender acquires Bigsby
Call it a return – of sorts – to the Gretsch family.
In the biggest music industry story of the day, Fender has announced its acquisition of the Bigsby brand and all its assets from Fred Gretsch Enterprises.
Not much has been shared about the future of the brand and how Fender plans on integrating it into its portfolio. But the company stated that Bigsby will “continue to run as a standalone business under Fender Musical Instruments Corp’s Speciality Brands” division.
“We are excited to acquire Bigsby and add to our esteemed portfolio of specialty brands,” said Jeff Cary, Senior Vice President of Fender Specialty Brands. “There is such a rich history with the vibratos, and a mystique around the guitars, pedals and steel instruments that is fascinating.”
The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Bigsby. The company’s history stretches back to the 40s, when founder P.A. Bigsby started building guitars and the famous vibrato unit. P.A., as he went by, sold his company to Gibson in 1966; it changed hands again when the Gretsch Guitar Company purchased the company in 1999. And Gretsch, of course, has been a part of Fender since 2002.
So with this acquisition, it looks as though Bigsby is back alongside Gretsch in the Fender stable. Could we possibly see a Bigsby-equipped Strat soon?
More information at fender.com.


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NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Mattel MAT, -2.09% was downgraded to "sell" from "neutral" at Banc of America as the company's turnaround appears to be longer and more expensive than initially projected. Analyst Gary Cooper cut his price target to $13 from $18.50, and trimmed his 2004 and 2005 earnings forecasts. He sees evidence that Barbie sales are still "sluggish" and margins are expected to decline. Cooper also sees other headwinds facing the industry, such as the recent strengthening of the U.S. dollar, potential cost pressures from the floating of the Chinese yuan, high commodity costs and competition. The stock closed Tuesday down 15 cents at $17.93.
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Helsinki based start up Game Developer Grand Cru is celebrating being recipient of $2million of seed capital.
The company operates predominantly in the social games space.
Markus Pasula, Grand Cru’s Chief Exec reported:
“iOS and Android devices are now fast and graphically strong enough to power complex 3D games and create fully immersive experiences,” adding “Grand Cru was founded on the principle that the next generation of mobile gaming is real-time multiplayer interaction and user generated content. With the help of our new funding, we are set to be pioneers in the new frontier of mobile and social gaming.”
The companies main flagship product at present is Supernauts a content driven/self generating user experience with a cartoony sci-fi angle.
Betclic ex CEO stumps up cash
The investment panel who raised the $2million includes Nicholas Béraud the ex head of French sportsbetting online site Betclic.
Other investors involved are:
Guillaume Lautour of Idinvest Partners
Co-founder of Playdomw Rick Thompson
Anil Hansjee (previously Google EMEA head of mergers and acquisitions).
Henric Suuronen (ex Wooga)


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Press Release (ePRNews.com) - EDMONTON, Alberta - Sep 30, 2017 - High Stick Vodka just hit the highest standard at the most influential wine and spirits competition in the world – CWSA – China Wine and Spirits Awards. Winning a Goldduring a huge Typhoonthat braced Hong Kong.
CWSA is the most influential wine and spirits competition in the world – helping to sell a staggering 90 million bottles per year. Long renowned internationally as the biggest and most prestigious wine and spirits competition in China, CWSA Judges are the most powerful buyers in China.
‘When we heard Typhoon 10 was coming – the highest level possible, and that this was only the 15th time since 1946, we knew it was a big one’, a CWSA Spokesman reported. ‘The Judges, are very important people and they travel from every corner of mainland China to attend CWSA and we were determined to continue the blindtasting. Assembling this ‘Power Group’ takes months of planning and long established relationships. The Judges were excellent sports and literally tasted samples calmly throughout the night, despite Typhoon Hato. This demonstrates the robustness and ambition of the market here. Wine is serious business in China. CWSA Judges want to be the first to taste the newest offerings from producers around the world so they are the first to buy what CWSA Results announce.’
CWSA 2017 was the biggest on record with an excess of 5,000 gwkf samples from 55 countries around the world. High profile entrants include Peter Lehmann, Jacob’s Creek, Bacardi, Sileni, Bernard Magrez, Casa Ermelinda Freitas, Champagne Collet, Dewar’s and Label 5.
‘We are so proud to hear that our vodka performed so well at CWSA 2017’ reported Illarion Shulakewych president of High Stick Vodka. ‘It is so impressive that the blind tasting continued despite the extreme weather Yet the Typhoon would not slow the judges down. We want to send a big thank you to the CWSA Judges for there dedication. We are ecstatic to be showcasing our CWSA Medal to ensure all see our quality level and how proud the team is to make High Stick Vodka a GOLD CWSA Medal Winner’
‘China is now an essential market for us, whether selling within China, or around the world to Chinese luxury tourists. CWSA is recognised globally so this is a big push for our further development’ reported Illarion Shulakewych , president of High Stick Vodka Ltd.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITOR:
For further images see link here: http://www.cwsa.org/medal-and-press-images/
Full results on http://www.cwsa.org/cwsa-2017-results/
High Stick Vodka Ltd.


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Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that market makers Jane Road and Soar Buying and Selling are shifting their attention away from cryptocurrency. While not completely exiting the industry, the article stated that the pair may be market-making on a lower scale than previously.
It is a huge blow for crypto markets, which have already been suffering from a lack of liquidity when market-making giant Alameda went down with FTX in November. I published a piece last week assessing the outflow of stablecoins from exchanges ($22 billion has left in 5 months), but order guidance depth has been disturbingly thin since Sam Baankman-Fried’s get-together tactics were disclosed.
That liquidity is about to deteriorate more. Lower liquidity leads to more volatility since less money is necessary to move expenses. As a result, strikes to both the upside and downside are accentuated, as I observed in April when Bitcoin’s worth, volatility, and revenue ranges all hit their greatest levels since June 2022.
Traders should be wary that, while prices have been climbing over the last six months, nothing positive has likely emerged from the industry. Bankruptcies increased in January as a result of the ongoing repercussions from FTX, whereas regulators have tightened the screws subsequently.
More than anything, prices have been climbing because crypto markets are so highly associated with the stock market and other risk assets. As market assumptions for the future course of interest rate hikes have peeled back, risk property has returned – and this includes Bitcoin.
With this limited liquidity just becoming worse, the strikes will get further more volatile. Bitcoin is trading at $26,200 as of Friday morning, down 7% in the last 36 hours.
Jane Road and Soar Crypto have come under increased attention as US officials continue to tighten their grip on the crypto market. Since FTX’s demise in November, the regulatory environment has become even more unfriendly to the crypto trade.
Contrary to popular belief, Sam Bankman-Fried worked at Jane Road before launching Alameda in 2017. Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda who has apparently turned on Bankman-Fried ahead of his trial, also worked at Jane Road previously than joining Alameda.
Jane Road was one of three US purchasing and selling firms referenced in the Commodity Futures Trading Fee case against Binance as instances of how US corporations might enter the platform despite Binance professing to restrict them.
Soar Road was a strong supporter of Terra, the company behind the TerraUSD stablecoin and sibling coin LUNA, which went bankrupt in May 2022. Following its dissolution, the agency was questioned by US authorities in an inquiry.
The crackdown has been contentious, with crypto-native enterprises claiming that the exercise may cause them to relocate abroad. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has been one among the many high-profile voices to express this opinion, stating this week that Coinbase might consider the UAE as a worldwide base because the US continues to muck things up. The alternative was just served with a Wells notice from the SEC, which is a notice of imminent legal action, most likely for a breach of securities laws.
“Crypto and Web3 present significant opportunities for financial and technological diversification for the UAE, and the region has the potential to be a strategic hub for Coinbase, amplifying our efforts globally,” Coinbase stated in a blog post.
Alternatively, some are applauding what they see as a long-overdue squeeze on a sector built on nothing but greed, which has resulted in bone-crushing losses for many retail purchasers over the past year. Whatever your point of view, it’s evident that the US is becoming antagonistic to any agency operating in the crypto space.
What is next for cryptocurrency?
Right now, the cryptocurrency looks poised to bypass the United States on its own. While the trade can continue, this is a significant setback. Much of the high trajectory of crypto during the epidemic was predicated on the assumption that institutions and traditional money would eventually flow into the industry. It’s currently moving the other way.
The United States is the world’s financial and monetary center. Crypto firms being forced out of this market would not completely deter average people from participating in the market, but it will make it more difficult and less convenient. It may also stifle innovation within the industry. All of this is negative for the sector and will likely impede its future development.
In terms of value, Jane Road and Soar Crypto’s desire to drag once again damage the trade in an area where it was already failing – liquidity. As a result, volatility in the industry isn’t going away anytime soon, and it’s just going to get worse.


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Should Target employees work Thanksgiving? Petition says "no"
Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:07:39 GMT —
So far it's not shaping up to be a happy holiday season for Target.
More than 100,000 of the company's employees have signed a petition asking Target not to open at midnight on Thanksgiving. The petition asks the company to open its stores at 5am on Friday instead, in order to allow workers to spend more time with their families
Anthony Hardwick, a Target employee in Omaha, is quoted by CNN and the Huffington Post as saying , "You know I think it's a little unreasonable to expect their employees to come into the store at 11 pm and still operate under the assumption that they'll somehow be able to have a Thanksgiving dinner....We don't mind hard work, but cutting into our holidays is a step too far."
In a statement, Target said "we have heard from our guests that they want to shop following their Thanksgiving celebrations rather than only having the option of getting up in the middle of the night." The statement goes on to say, "Our understanding is that this team member also works full-time for another retailer. In early November, he informed his Target managers that he was scheduled to work at his other job on Black Friday and indicated that he needed the day off from Target. We honored that request. Target does our best to work around the schedules of all of our team members, making every effort to accommodate their requests. Target will offer holiday pay to all hourly team members who work on Thanksgiving Day."
Target is not alone in its decision to open on Thanksgiving. Macy's, Best Buy and Kohl's also plan to open at midnight. Wal*Mart plans a 10pm opening with Toys 'R Us opening its doors even earlier at 9pm.
According to CNN, t he National Retail Federation says the number of people who shop on Thanksgiving, both online and in stores, rose to 22.3 million in 2010. That is about double the amount just five years earlier.
Now we ask you the question - Do you agree with the Target employees who signed the petition? Should all retail workers have Thanksgiving off? Let us know your opinion.


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Due to the Corona epidemic in the year 2021, Apple launched very few of its products last year. Last year has been very bad for the company in terms of launch. It is not that the company’s last year was very bad for the company because last year has been the best for the company in terms of revenue. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple can launch its VR headset in the market this year in addition to the iPhone and iPod. So let us tell you which products the company can launch in 2022.
After a long rumours, the company’s airtags finally came out. It looks just like tiles, and it was expected to be like this before. Apart from this, the hardware was also updated in Apple TV. But according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it cannot compete in the TV market.
(Also read- Great opportunity! Apple’s popular budget iPhone is getting very cheap, will get a special display)
The reason is the old processor used in it. And this too cannot be considered a success for the company. But the performance of the iMac and iPads and MacBook has improved a lot and all credit goes to the silicon chip used by the company. Their design has also changed even though they have been a throwback design of the old MacBook. Apart from this, there was no such thing for the company last year which can be considered as a memorable year.
changes to iphone
The company also made changes in its iPhone but they proved to be inferior. The notch of the iPhone 13 is slightly narrower and not much has been changed in terms of hardware. The cinematic mode given in the iPhone was a bit good. But we can not call it anything successful. But by the end of 2022, will the company bring some revolutionary changes in its iPhone and bring the iPhone 14 to the market. What can we expect from the company?
What is expected from the company in the new year
Apple can bring new series in its successful products i.e. iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch and Mac from the beginning of the year. The company can do two different launch events for the iPhone. One for the annual and the other for the iPhone SE model, whose launch has been rumored for a long time. Apart from this, the company can also launch AirPods as a Pro model with new features.
(Also read- These 5 powerful features can come on WhatsApp in 2022, the style of chatting will change)
Whereas the next gen of Apple Watch can add a more in-depth focus on health and some vital tracking. Mac’s improving performance Most of the company’s silicon processor company will try to improve.
If everything goes according to plan, then the iPhone 14 could be launched in September this year, or at the most in October, the company could use the 3nm A-series chipset in this iPhone, making it the fastest iPhone. could.
Apart from this, the notch of the iPhone can be removed and the company can also give a punch hole in addition to its display design.
Tags: Apple, iPhone 12, tech news


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Wolfspeed to be reintegrated into Cree
DURHAM, N.C. -- Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market leader in LED lighting, today announced that it will terminate the definitive agreement to sell its Wolfspeed Power and RF division (“Wolfspeed”), which includes the silicon carbide substrate business for power, RF and gemstone applications, to Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY). Cree and Infineon have been unable to identify alternatives which would address the national security concerns of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and as a result, the proposed transaction will be terminated.
“We are disappointed that the Wolfspeed sale to Infineon could not be completed,” stated Chuck Swoboda, Cree chairman and CEO. “In light of this development, we are going to shift our focus back to growing the Wolfspeed business. The Wolfspeed business has performed well this year as our customers have further realized the value of our unique technology and is on a great path as a part of Cree. The strength of our balance sheet and improving operating cash flow gives us the ability to invest in Wolfspeed, while continuing to pursue our LED and Lighting growth plans. We believe investing to grow all three businesses will create the most value for our shareholders.”
Chuck Swoboda added: “I thank Dr. Ploss and the rest of the Infineon team for the significant amount of time and commitment they invested trying to successfully complete the transaction.”
The termination of this transaction with Infineon will trigger a termination fee of $12.5 million being paid to Cree. As a result of the transaction termination and Cree’s decision to focus on running the Wolfspeed business, Wolfspeed will now be reported as a separate segment of Cree’s continuing operations.
The Company will provide a complete review of its fiscal 2017 third quarter results and fourth quarter outlook on its regularly scheduled financial results call on April 25th at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
About Cree, Inc.
Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, lighting products and semiconductor products for power and radio frequency (RF) applications. Cree believes in better light experiences and is delivering new innovative LED technology that transforms the way people experience light through high-quality interior and exterior LED lighting solutions.
Cree’s product families include LED lighting systems and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree’s products are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, electronic signs and signals, power supplies and inverters.
For additional product and Company information, please refer to www.cree.com.
Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about future operating results of the Wolfspeed business as a part of Cree and its long term prospects. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including potential business uncertainty, such as changes to existing business, customer or supplier relationships that could be impacted by the Infineon transaction not being consummated that could affect Cree's or Wolfspeed’s financial performance; risks of adverse impact on operations or financial performance in connection with Wolfspeed because the proposed sale to Infineon transaction will not close; ongoing uncertainty in global economic conditions; risks associated with acquisitions, divestitures or investments generally; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand or render our products obsolete; and other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 26, 2016, and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements represent Cree's judgment as of the date of this release. Except as required under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, Cree disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, developments, changes in assumptions or otherwise.


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Mission Produce Inc (NASDAQ:AVO) stock plummets 12.08% (As on Sep 14, 10:10:56 AM UTC-4, Source: Google Finance) after the company posted mixed results for the third quarter of FY 21 and lowered the topline guidance for the full year. During the third quarter, gross profit declined 7% compared to the same period last year to $40.9 million, and gross profit percentage declined 210 basis points to 16.6% of revenue. The declines were due to tighter per-unit margins related to sourcing of Californian and Mexican fruit, which were exacerbated by smaller industry volumes within the California market as well as smaller fruit sizes within the Mexican market. Further, the gross margin was pressured by incremental infrastructure costs related to our new Laredo facility within the Marketing & Distribution segment, which is still in the process of ramping up utilization. The impact was partially offset by higher volume of avocados sold from Company-owned farms within our International Farming segment compared to prior year, which had lower per-unit cost than fruit purchased from third-party growers. Overall, the company has reported adjusted net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 of $19.1 million compared to $24.4 million, for the same period last year.
AVO in the third quarter of FY 21 has reported the adjusted earnings per share of 27 cents, missing the analysts’ estimates for the adjusted earnings per share of 31 cents. The company had reported the adjusted revenue growth of 4 percent to $246.8 million in the third quarter of FY 21, beating the analysts’ estimates for revenue of $243.2 million. The revenue growth is mainly due to a 2% increase in avocado volume sold and 2% increase in average per-unit avocado sales prices. From a volume perspective, strength in industry supply out of Mexico was largely offset by a smaller California crop. Adjusted EBITDA has decreased to $30.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to $36.6 million for the same period last year, driven mainly by the lower per-unit margins and higher SG&A costs within the Marketing & Distribution segment, as described above, compared to the prior year period.
The company expects revenue to be in the range of $890 million to $910 million for the fiscal year 2021, down from the previous guidance of $900 million to $920 million. The Street forecasts $908 million.


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Research conducted by Auctane in association with Metapack has assessed the upcoming ecommerce delivery trends that should be prevalent throughout 2023, and how shifting consumer and economic landscapes will shape them.
More than 8,000 consumers across eight countries (UK, USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) were surveyed to gauge their shopping behaviours and how these will help to determine the key trends that will shape ecommerce and delivery.
The report is divided into two sections:
- The first focuses on the current global retail and consumer landscape – contextualising the macro forces and inflationary pressures that consumers and retailers currently face, and will continue to contend with for the foreseeable future. This can be viewed as ‘the cause’.
- The second outlines the key online delivery trends that have emerged as a consequence of shifting consumer behaviours that are a product of the forces and pressures addressed in the first section. Trends such as cost over convenience shipping, sustainable delivery and ‘recommerce’. This can be viewed as ‘the effect’ – the result or aftermath of the cause.
1. Introduction: The Global Retail & Consumer Landscape
Throughout 2023 retailers will have to contend with two major headwinds: global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, as the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic continues.
High inflation, ever-increasing interest rates and inflated living costs will all affect consumer behaviour, with many re-evaluating how they shop and to what extent due to anxiety over their finances.
84% of consumers are concerned about the future outlook of the economy and their personal finances over the year ahead, with inflation being their top concern.
As such, retailers have to adapt to the changing landscape of the consumer so that they are in-tune with new trends, whilst also contending with demand-side issues that will see consumers spend less.
This is in tandem with rising borrowing costs, labour shortages and supply chain issues, to name but a few challenges which should culminate to create a tumultuous year for retailers, particularly those that are ill-prepared for the challenges ahead.
1.1 Cautious Consumers: Polarised Shopper Behaviours
As consumers begin to feel the full weight of deteriorating economic conditions worldwide, almost three in four (73%) say they will change their shopping habits in 2023, and just a quarter (27%) intend to continue spending as normal over the course of the year.
This will cause consumer behaviour to respond in a number of ways – some will curtail their spending and look on the market for cheaper alternatives to their usual brands (the surging popularity of buying second hand products gives credence to this), while others will only shop when absolutely necessary.
The report categorises four types of shoppers that will shape the coming year for retail:
- Necessity Shoppers: They will make purchases only when necessary
- Postponers: They will try to delay their shopping or purchase less often
- Value Hunters: They will switch to cheaper brands or retailers
- Carry On Spenders: They will purchase as normal.
As consumers and their shopping motivations shift from one end of the spectrum where purchasing behaviour will continue as normal, to the other end where purchases will be made out of necessity, new ecommerce delivery trends will develop as the priorities of the masses begin to change.
In terms of shifting delivery priorities, the study identified three key trends that will develop throughout 2023: ‘recommerce’, cost over convenience and green/sustainable delivery.
2. ‘Recommerce’: Surging Popularity for Second Hand Products Suggests Consumers are More Environmentally & Financially Conscious
Consumer habits in regards to buying second hand products have changed over recent years and the surging popularity of resale platforms, such as Depop and Vinted, suggest that the trend is set to continue.
Perceptions have changed – where before there were often stigmas attached to buying second hand goods, particularly clothes, consumers now shop for second hand bargains more than ever.
According to GlobalData the cost of living crisis will drive more consumers towards secondhand fashion than ever, with the global apparel resale market set to grow 85.5% between 2022 and 2026 to $338.4 billion.
“The global apparel resale market has grown rapidly over the past few years as new online platforms have emerged, and sustainability concerns have grown in tandem with consumer desire for more affordable fashion.” – Global Data
Resale platforms not only offer a more affordable option for money-conscious consumers and an extra revenue stream for sellers, but they also meet the growing desire to minimise their impact on the environment.
As sellers are in control of the packaging process they can recycle by using old envelopes or packaging from other purchases, as well as walk to their local Post Office should it be convenient, giving them the freedom to determine their carbon footprint and the wider impact they have on the environment.
Customers also have the piece of mind knowing that they are buying recycled and reused goods, limiting the impact of overconsumption whilst buying products at an often heavily reduced price compared to retail.
From a retailer’s perspective it continues their customer acquisition process and loyalty cycles, as the revenue raised from the returns could be reinvested back into other products from the same retailer, keeping them within their ecosystem.
2.1 Delivery Priorities Are Changing: Cost Over Convenience Ecommerce Delivery Trend Gains Traction
As highlighted previously, consumers’ online shopping priorities are changing rapidly in response to economic pressures. As a consequence, the cost of delivery has become a key conversion factor for consumers, who are now prioritising saving money over convenience.
Throughout the pandemic consumers become accustomed to fast delivery, with most being willing to pay for quicker delivery times in order to receive their goods as soon as possible.
However, with financial pressures shrinking the pockets of the consumer, many are willing to forego such privileges and make concessions on their typical delivery preferences (typically next day or same day delivery) in favour of waiting three to four days for free delivery.
The data suggests that consumers are as cost-conscious as ever in 2023, with the cost of delivery being the number one priority or deciding factor when purchasing online.
“We are facing high risk of recession, wants will be set aside for needs and customers will nit-pick delivery costs.” – Parkers AE
Due to inflation, supply chain issues and a variety of other pressures eating into the profit margins of retailers, many are facing a tough decision regarding their pricing policies across the board, as represented by the graphic below (Fig 16).
Over a quarter (28%) of retail businesses plan to increase the cost of delivery for their customers in 2023, with only 18% planning not to increase the price of products, delivery, or returns.
It creates a headache for consumers who are shopping for price over convenience, yet prices are rising regardless.
“But this is a risky strategy in a fiercely competitive retail landscape where consumers are squeezed. As shoppers’ priorities shift towards value, consumers would generally be more open to waiting longer for delivery, or compromising on location, than paying for delivery. In the current economic environment, free postage and a small wait for delivery (3-5 days) is likely to trump paid-for expedited delivery.” – Auctane
Major retailers, particularly in industries with high return rates due to ‘bracketing’, such as the fashion industry, are pivoting from free returns to paid returns en masse.
According to data from the National Retail Federation, consumers sent back around $100 billion worth of products bought online in 2020, and in 2021, that amount more than doubled to around $218 billion.
The NRF also found that the average retailer sees $166 million in returns for every $1 billion in sales, so it is unsurprising that retailers such as Next, Zara and Boohoo have changed their returns policy over recent years.
Despite this adding an extra source of revenue, return fees risk alienating customers, particularly as it has become an industry standard in the eyes of the consumer, and a luxury many have come to take for granted.
More than three quarters (76%) of shoppers surveyed in the study believe returns should always be free.
2.2 Sustainability: Consumer Appetite for Green Deliveries Gains Prominence
Irrespective of economic pressures, research has shown that consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable delivery options when purchasing online, even if it costs extra or delays delivery times.
Globally, almost 4 in 5 (79%) shoppers value having ‘green’ delivery options when ordering online, up from 74% the previous year.
Out of home delivery, options such as click and collect are becoming increasingly popular with consumers since they offer a convenient (and often free) delivery choice that benefits the retailer, the consumer and the environment.
Multiple orders can be dropped off to a single location as opposed to multiple individual locations, reducing the number of last-mile deliveries and cutting carbon emissions through reduced mileage.
For some consumers who conveniently pass the pickup location on a daily basis it’s a no-brainer. They’re afforded the flexibility to collect the parcel at their leisure as opposed to being tied to specific delivery windows provided by the courier.
It also offers a safer alternative to packages being left on the customers premises, since ‘postal piracy’, more commonly known as postal theft (the act of packages or parcels being stolen), is becoming an increasingly common issue.
Sustainable delivery options of the like are key to progressing towards a greener last mile and should be popular throughout 2023 among consumers.
However, retailers aren’t entirely sold just yet.
According to the study less than a fifth of businesses consider the environmental impact of deliveries a key strategic focus, with their priorities being elsewhere.
Shifting consumer behaviour could change that as retailers change tune to meet this trend and adapt to the priorities of the customer, in order to boost loyalty and revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommerce combines ‘reselling’ with ‘ecommerce’ and is the act of selling second hand goods online. Popular examples of recommerce stores are Ebay, Depop, Vinted and Gumtree.
Cost over convenience, sustainable deliveries and recommerce.
Postal piracy (more commonly known as package or parcel theft) is the act of a delivery package being stolen off a person’s premises. It is a crime that can result in jail if the perpetrator is prosecuted.


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India-based Rebel Foods is set to boost its partnerships with restaurants chains that are leveraging its Cloud-kitchen network to widen their reach.
The Sequoia Capital-backed online restaurant firm runs Cloud kitchens from more than 320 locations for its own brands such as Oven Story, Behrouz Biryani, Faasos, and Mandarin Oak.
Furthermore, it outsources its kitchen to other brands under the Rebel Launcher Program.
It currently works with 15 restaurant chains, including Wendy’s, Anand Sweets, and Mad Over Donuts.
Under the Rebel Launcher Program, the firm intends to add another 15 restaurant brands and increase the number of online restaurants from the present 250 to 400 by the end of this month, reported LiveMint.
Rebel Foods co-founder and chief business officer Ankur Sharma was quoted by the publication as saying: “Post-Covid Rebel Launcher evolved in a different manner. We have really picked up pace on this and right now there are almost 15 partner brands working with us.”
Sharma further added: “The idea is to take these to almost five to six times (in number) more by the end of this calendar year. By the end of March, 250 will become 400. We have a couple of deals and big brands that have gone through.”
Introduced in 2018, the Launcher Program offers a complete operating system, with kitchens, technology, distribution channels and supply chain, to entrepreneurs.
Cloud kitchens are basically commercial cooking facilities that do not have physical dining space but cater to only online delivery orders.
Rebel Foods recently teamed up with Sierra Nevada Restaurants to build and operate around 250 Cloud kitchens of Wendy’s across the country.
In the Delhi-NCR region, it opened 20 Wendy’s kitchens. Around 20 Cloud kitchens are likely to open within five weeks.


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Soaring sales of imported wines in China may not be so promising for New Zealand wineries, says a big rural bank.
"In terms of New Zealand wine producers, the future promise of China is somewhat tempered by the bias towards red wine consumption and a lower level of consumer recognition of New Zealand wine at this stage," said Rabobank senior analyst Marc Soccio.
Rising incomes in 2010 made foreign wines increasingly accessible to Chinese market consumers, Soccio said in a quarterly report on wine he co-authored and released yesterday.
The scale and durability of the growth in Chinese demand for grape wine in recent years had been remarkable in a global environment afflicted by weak consumer spending, and most of the world's major wine-producing nations have participated in the growth of the Chinese market.
French producers occupied a commanding position.
But despite the market's bias towards red wines, the combined markets of Hong Kong and China now ranked as New Zealand's fifth largest export market and the most lucrative major market by some margin.
Separately, a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise report said red wine was drunk by Chinese consumers almost exclusively as a table wine accompanying a meal, and banquets generally involved competitive drinking among men.
Ordering expensive dishes and drink demonstrated respect for guests, and "expensive bottles of red wine have become a trophy drink of the Chinese new rich to demonstrate wealth and good taste," Trade and Enterprise the report said.
The annual value of New Zealand wine exports grew 6.9 per cent to US$1.09 billion ($1.41 billion) in 2010.


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UC Master Food Preservers show how to dehydrate your whole holiday meal
Leftover food from holiday parties and meals need not go to waste, according to two UC Cooperative Extension Master Food Preservers (UCCE MFP) who appeared on Good Day Sacramento. Marijohn Bledsoe, UCCE MFP Capitol Corridor program coordinator, and Liesha Barnett, MFP volunteer intern in Solano County, were featured in a three-minute live shot from the UCCE office to talk about food dehydration, a safe way to preserve food for safe and healthy snacking.
The conversation first turned to turkey, which Barnett said can be dried into turkey jerky, popped into a plastic bag and right into a backpack for enjoyment during any outdoor activity. Leftover cranberry sauce can be dried with or without sugar into fruit leather and rolled in wax paper for easy packing. Dehydrated leftover veggies - like onion, carrots and celery - make easy soup add ins.
"Just toss them into a crock pot," Barnett said.
Bledsoe told the reporter that the UC Master Food Preserver program offers classes in safe food preservation to the public, and teaches interested members of the public to become Master Food Preservers' themselves and teach members of their communities how to reduce food waste by safely canning, drying and pickling produce, meats, and even whole holiday meals.


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Dishonored To Become ‘A Franchise’
Inevitable Sequel On The Cards
Looks like a sequel to Dishonored could be in the works after the game exceeded the company’s internal sales expectations.
Speaking to Destructoid, PR boss Pete Hines hinted at the prospect of more games in the future, stating: “We clearly have a new franchise.”
He said: “I can tell you that Dishonored is far exceeding our sales expectations, which is especially cool considering it’s new IP facing a host of well-established franchises this quarter.
“We did terrific numbers again this past weekend, both in stores and on Steam, where Dishonored was listed as the #1 selling title over the holiday weekend. And Dishonored has really sold well overseas.
“So, we’re very pleased and appreciate all the fans that have supported Dishonored and Arkane. We clearly have a new franchise.”


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By Eric Savitz
Novell (NOVL) announced that it has canceled its upcoming BrainShare conference, which was supposed to take place in March 2009 in Salt Lake City. The company has held the annual event for more than 20 years.
Novell announced the decision in a letter to customers on the event’s Web page from chief marketing officer John Dragoon.
Dragoon said in the letter that “many of you have indicated that because of the current economic climate, you are under increasing pressure to reduce travel and other controllable expenses and are hesitant to commit to attending our BrainShare 2009 conference.”
Added Dragoon: “We understand the cost constraints you are facing in the current economic environment and we will continue to commit ourselves to making sure we deliver the information, training and other deliverables you need. We will be providing all this in a way that allows you to avoid the short-term travel expense of the traditional, in-person BrainShare conference in Salt Lake City.”
NOVL today is down 15 cents, or 3.9%, to $3.71.


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India's Ultra High Networth Households are spending more than investing according to a report.
The Kotak Wealth Management report, Luxury holds its Own, in its seventh edition of 'Top of the Pyramid' describes the spending pattern, digital behaviour, philanthropy and other family business narratives.
A survey conducted by Kotak Wealth Management, found the Ultra HNIs allocated 55 per cent of their income for discretionary spends in which the share of apparels, electronic gadgets, philanthropy and holidays increased substantially.
But their spend on buying jewellery, especially gold is less, and their allocation towards investments also fell for the year 2017.
According to Jaideep Hansraj, CEO, Wealth Management & Priority Banking, Kotak Mahindra Bank, the rise in personal spend is indicative of the segment's confidence in business growth.
''The UHNI household segment reiterate their confidence in the policies and reform measures undertaken by the Government,'' he said.
According to the report, the UHNHs are expected to double to 330,400 by 2022; their numbers have increased 10 per cent to 160,000 last year.
The UHNH's in India make up less than half a per cent of the total population and held about 70 per cent of the country's total wealth at Rs153 trillion in 2017. This is expected to almost triple at Rs352 trillion by 2022.


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A recent survey by Leatherhead Food Research investigated 999 adults in the UK, revealing that 74% of households have consciously decided to reduce their consumption of red meat products, with 40% consuming ‘a bit less red meat’ and over a third (35%) of UK families introducing at least one weekly dedicated meat-free day this year.
The most cited motivation, as is the case with almost all of such surveys, was personal health (55%), but some respondants did cite concern for the environmental impact of meat production, especially young people aged between 16-35 (51%). Once again it has been demonstrated that young people are increasingly more aware and conscious about their food and purchasing choices.
Cindy Beeren, Operations Director, at Leatherhead, believes that flexitarianism is a lasting trend that will shape the long-term future of the food industry: “People are becoming more purposeful about food choices in the home, so manufacturers and retailers are changing their offering to meet evolving demands.”
“As this trend gathers momentum, it raises lots of questions about the options for new meat-free products. We expect to see a surge of innovation in this area, focusing on everything from sensory aspects, such as taste and texture, to the nutritional profiling of food.”


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Dave Bradley loves electric cars.
So much so that, despite not being a “car head,” he left his job as a hairdresser to open Albuquerque car dealership Magpie Motors specializing in hybrid and electric vehicles.
“The electrics are fun,” Bradley said. “And I just believe it’s the future.”
But Bradley hasn’t been able to find an electric vehicle for sale for several weeks to add to his lot.
“Looking for a car, or trying to find them, is very difficult — for everyone. On wholesale, retail, even at auction,” Bradley said last month. “I don’t remember the last time I saw a Chevy Bolt at auction.”
High gas prices have pushed demand for alternative fuel vehicles, shrinking the state’s stock. At the same time, electric vehicle infrastructure recently received a funding boost in the state. The entire car market, including both gas-powered and alternative fuel vehicles, is at the whim of supply chain issues. Additionally, New Mexico has to grapple with the demand for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in neighboring states.
Some advocates also point to New Mexico’s slow adoption of incentives for electric car manufacturers that have kept inventory low.
Shoppers stalk stock
New Mexicans seeking electric and hybrid vehicles say they’re resorting to traveling farther — even out of state — to find alternative fuel cars.
Northwest Albuquerque resident Brandon Ferreira shopped for an electric or hybrid vehicle for a year before eventually giving up. He’s continued to drive his pickup truck, which is now “the opposite of what (he’s) looking for.”
Ferreira, who works in cybersecurity, worked from home for several years. He had to start commuting recently, and also drives his kids to school.
“Having to commute definitely changed how I look at driving,” Ferreira said.
Although Ferreira wanted an electric car long before the surge in gas prices, inflation added an extra incentive.
“Initially I just wanted one because it was the ecological thing to do, but then gas prices started rising,” Ferreira said.
At first, Ferreira was looking exclusively for an electric vehicle. He widened his search to hybrids after struggling to find an electric car in New Mexico.
“That’s been one of the barriers for people that want to buy electric vehicles — there haven’t been any for sale in our state,” said Tammy Fiebelkorn, an Albuquerque city councilor and New Mexico’s representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, which promotes energy efficiency in the region.
According to a 2022 survey by J.D. Power, 24% of U.S. auto shoppers were “very likely” to consider an electric vehicle for their next car — up 4% from last year. Angel Martinez, director of Albuquerque’s environmental health department, told the Journal that last year 1.7% of new vehicle sales in the state were electric vehicles — double the percentage of the year before.
“We’re seeing the interest rise, right?” Martinez said.
Earlier this year, Martinez and the environmental health department collaborated with the state to adopt the clean car rule in New Mexico. The rule mandates that starting in 2025, 7% of new vehicle sales in the state must be electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. Several other states have adopted clean car rules, including Colorado and California.
Ferreira started calling car dealerships in Colorado when he was still unable to find an alternative fuel vehicle in New Mexico. But, he found that most models in the neighboring state were marked up by about $15,000.
“It seems like it’s a supply and demand issue,” Bradley said. “A perfect storm of gas prices up and a shortage of vehicles that are economical.”
Bradley points to the computer chip shortage which has affected all cars, alternative fuel or otherwise, and more specifically, a shortage of rare earth elements that make up electric car batteries. Earlier this week, Honda and LG battery announced they were investing $4.4 billion in a new battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. The plant is expected to be up and running by 2025.
“I have yet to have a vehicle on my lot go down in price. Some, in fact, have gone up,” Bradley said. “I try to keep my prices reasonable, but everybody’s paying more.”
Sandia Laboratories researcher Michelle Burke recently bought her first hybrid vehicle. She had been looking since May; the most frustrating part, Burke said, was that dealerships would list hybrids on their website, but when she got to the lot, there were none available.
“Honestly the hardest part was finding a car that was actually available,” Burke said.
Like Ferreira, Burke looked in neighboring states for hybrid vehicles. But, even when she found hybrids in Arizona and Colorado, she said they wouldn’t sell to an out-of-state driver.
When Burke was driving one day, she saw a car with a “Roswell Hyundai” bumper sticker, and decided to check out the dealership. They had one car available — the hybrid Hyundai Elantra that she now drives. Both gas prices and environmental concerns pushed Burke to buy a hybrid, although she’d prefer a full electric vehicle.
“I can’t afford a full electric car, so this is the next step up,” Burke said.
Long waits, empty lots
Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Nissan and Volvo all currently have EV offerings, as well as some luxury car brands. There are dozens of plug-in hybrid models also available in the U.S.
Last fall, Tesla opened its first New Mexico dealership and service center in Nambé Pueblo. The location on sovereign pueblo land, which Tesla also touted as its first location on Native American land in the United States, allowed the company to avoid violating a state law that prohibits vehicle manufacturers from selling directly to consumers rather than through a franchise dealership.
However, customers should be prepared to wait if they order an alternative fuel vehicle.
Chris Taylor, sales manager at Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, said that it’s hard to keep electric and hybrid cars in stock.
“Ninety-eight percent are sold before they even get to the lot,” Taylor said.
Ford sells three fully electric car models and two plug-in hybrids. In mid-August, Taylor said Chalmers Ford had fewer than five electric cars on the lot — and zero hybrids.
“They’re selling like hotcakes,” Taylor said. “We just got lucky that we got this stock.”
Taylor himself owns two electric Fords — one each for him and his wife — and waited over eight months for each car. The average wait for the Ford F-150 Lightning is 12 months, Taylor said.
“I love them,” he said.
Chevrolet has one electric vehicle model, the Chevy Bolt, and will add three new models in 2023. In mid-August, Galles Chevrolet on Menaul and University had just two Chevy Bolts on the lot, said Andy Michael, new vehicle sales manager at the dealership. Recently, there was a battery recall which constricted the stock of the Bolt, Michael said, but he estimates that the model generally stays on the lot for just two weeks before being sold.
“With gas prices the way they are, there’s more demand for electric cars,” Michael said.
Besides gas prices, Michael said, many Chevrolet customers with solar panels on their homes come in to buy electric cars. With excess power from the panels, these customers are able to charge their cars with minimal cost.
An environmental economist, Fiebelkorn was an early adopter of electric vehicles. When her hybrid died five years ago, she knew she wanted to get an electric vehicle.
“It’s been the best decision ever,” Fiebelkorn said of her fully electric Nissan Leaf. “… I haven’t been to the gas station in five years — it’s amazing how freeing that is.”
She pays just an additional $6 a month on electricity to charge her car.
However, now, Fiebelkorn said a lack of government incentives has hampered the growth of electric vehicle stock in the state. According to Fiebelkorn, before the state passed clean car standards this year, car manufacturers would send their electric vehicles to neighboring states like Colorado, which had already implemented clean car standards, and pass over New Mexico.
Although New Mexico adopted the Clean Car Rule in May 2022, it will take a while for the state’s inventory to increase, she said.
“We won’t start seeing them come in for about a year,” said Fiebelkorn, who bought her car online from Carvana.
Since the surge in gas prices, Fiebelkorn said SWEEP has been getting more calls from people interested in making the switch to electric vehicles. However, UNM research professor and economist Kelly O’Donnell says that while gas prices have increased interest in alternative fuel vehicles, it’s more complicated than that.
“It used to be that the price of gas would go up, and people would see it as an inconvenience and a problem — but a temporary one,” O’Donnell said. “People are increasingly moving away from this sort of simplistic calculation of whether they’re going to save money on fuel in the short term, and realizing that the crisis of fossil fuels is not a temporary one.”
Bradley of Magpie Motors agrees that high gas prices are a trend, rather than an anomaly.
“Now it seems like only people with money have electric cars. But I think what you’re gonna see is only people with money will be able to drive the big V8 that gets 16 miles per gallon,” Bradley said. “Fuel is a finite product. And as that goes down, prices are going to continue to rise.”
“The price of fuel is a driver in the short term — no pun intended,” O’Donnell said. “But really what we’re talking about is something more significant than that, and that’s, you know, the sustainability of our way of life.”
Martinez says that despite a growing awareness of climate change issues around the state, New Mexicans need to be educated about the financial savings that alternative fuel vehicles can bring to truly increase interest.
Despite the hurdles, though, Fiebelkorn says that a clean car future is coming to New Mexico, however slow.
“The move is happening, the future is electric — New Mexico is just taking a little longer to get there,” Fiebelkorn said.


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Nicole Smith-Holt’s son Alec died in Minnesota last June--after being forced to ration Eli Lilly’s Humalog insulin when Alec, a person with type 1 diabetes, could not afford the radically-increased price of the medicine. Ms. Smith-Holt wrote about Alec’s experiences in this February article. Ms. Smith-Holt will be attending the Eli Lilly shareholder meeting on May 7th and will pose a question to the company’s CEO and Board of Directors during the Q and A session.
Ms. Smith-Holt, along with T1International and People of Faith for Access to Medicines will be holding a press conference outside of Eli Lilly Headquarters before the company’s shareholder meeting, a legally-required event also known as the Annual General Meeting.
WHEN & WHERE: Monday, May 7th at 10am Eastern (before Ms. Smith-Holt goes into the meeting) at the 800 block of South Delaware Street in Indianapolis, Indiana.
BACKGROUND: Insulin, an essential medicine, was first used to treat a person with diabetes in 1922. Its discoverers sold their patents for $1 each, with the intention that it be accessible for all. Now, almost 100 years later, the cost of insulin is increasingly unaffordable for people living with diabetes in the USA, causing people to ration insulin and skip injections.
Physicians report seeing an increasing number of insulin-deprived patients coming into emergency rooms in crisis. Half of those who need insulin cannot reliably get access to it. High prices are leading to bankruptcy and death.
Eli Lilly and Company is one of three manufacturers of insulin. In near lock-step with the other two manufacturers, Lilly has raised the price of its version of insulin by over 300% over the past seven years. A U.S. patient’s out-of-pocket cost for a month’s supply of Eli Lilly’s Humalog can be over $400. The company’s revenues on Humalog rose 12% in the first quarter of 2018.
Although manufacturers like Eli Lilly keep the cost of insulin production a tightly-guarded secret, U.S. prices are likely hundreds of times higher than the expense of making the drug.


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(Summary description)On August 10, hosted by Badfu Marketing System, the 2019 Badfu Strategy and New Product Launch Conference with the theme of "New Strategy·New Product·New Development" was grandly held in the ancient city of Xi'an. Xi'an has witnessed the changes of thousands of times in Chinese history, the profound culture of the thousand-year-old city, and the perfect fusion of modern flowers, attracting the attention of the world. The new product launch conference of Badfu Northwestern Theater chose to be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi, not only because of its dazzling business card of the world's ancient capital, but also the importance of the outstanding performance of the paint industry in Shaanxi Province in the northwest.
- Categories:Company News
- Time of issue:2019-08-21
On August 10, hosted by Badfu Marketing System, the 2019 Badfu Strategy and New Product Launch Conference with the theme of "New Strategy·New Product·New Development" was grandly held in the ancient city of Xi'an. Xi'an has witnessed the changes of thousands of times in Chinese history, the profound culture of the thousand-year-old city, and the perfect fusion of modern flowers, attracting the attention of the world. The new product launch conference of Badfu Northwestern Theater chose to be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi, not only because of its dazzling business card of the world's ancient capital, but also the importance of the outstanding performance of the paint industry in Shaanxi Province in the northwest.
The conference gathered leaders from the Shaanxi Coatings Industry Association, industry elites, experts and scholars, and more than 300 outstanding entrepreneur customers from Badfu Shaanxi. The conference is based on development and close to the needs of customers. It provides a variety of solutions and cooperation channels for customers of coated enterprises in the new era of development, to seize opportunities, seize opportunities, transform and upgrade, and constantly innovate. In-depth discussions on industry hotspots, policy trends, high-end technology, etc.
Group photo of 2019 Badrich Strategy and New Product Launch Conference (Xi'an Station)
The leaders and guests present at the conference were: Mr. Ma Yongnan, President of the Shaanxi Coatings Industry Association, and Mr. Liu Haijun, Secretary General; Mr. Zhang Xiaowu, General Manager of Marketing and Service System of Badfu Group, Mr. Liu Lei, Director of Operations Management Department, and Director of Public Relations Mr. Tang Hongwei, Mr. Li Shaohua, Sales Director of Southwest Region, Mr. Dai Qianyang, Director of Marketing Department, and Mr. Shi Qinglin, a senior expert from the paint industry with 30 years of experience in the industry. Many industry experts came to the scene to think about the "future style" of the industry in multiple dimensions.
Join forces and continue to be glorious
2019 Bardford Strategy and New Product Launch Conference (Xi'an Station)
Mr. Zhang Xiaowu, General Manager of Marketing and Service System of Badfu Group
Mr. Zhang Xiaowu, General Manager of Marketing and Service System of Bardford Group, said in his speech that Bardford has entered the Northwest market in 2008 and has passed 11 years. I still remember the first year of market development and our year in the Northwest market. The sales volume is less than 10 million, and the number of customers is only more than 50. After more than ten years of development, Badfu has grown to about 200 direct sales customers and about 600 serviced by 4 dealers using Badfu products Distribution network, it is expected that our output value in the Northwest market will exceed 200 million this year. The northwestern region is a strategic place for the development of the central and western regions of the country. The city construction is developing rapidly, the market potential is huge, and the market development momentum is good. The paint industry in the northwest is promising in the next few years!
Mr. Ma Yongnan, President of Shaanxi Paint Industry Association (left)
Secretary General Liu Haijun (right)
The conference was strongly supported by the Shaanxi Provincial Coatings Industry Association. President Mr. Ma Yongnan came to the conference to address the conference. Association Secretary-General Mr. Liu Haijun made regional industry sharing for the conference. Shaanxi Provincial Coatings Industry Association is committed to building an industry development support platform for coating companies in Shaanxi area and cultivating coating brands. For many years, it has been active in the front line of the market and has unique insights into the current status and development direction of the industry. Chairman Ma and Secretary-General Liu's sharing of opinions, criticisms, and sounds were warmly applauded and praised by the participants!
Mr. Liu Lei, Director of Marketing and Service System Operation Management Department of Badfu Group
Mr. Liu Lei, the director of the Group's marketing and service system operation management department, made a "Badfu Strategy Presentation" for the conference. President Liu has been cultivating the Northwest market for many years. From the development history of Bad Fu, corporate culture, the current situation of the real estate and coating industry to the three-year development plan of Bad Fu 2019-2021, he elaborated on the development strategy of Bad Fu for the on-site guests. We insist that services and products go hand in hand, with the purpose of creating value for customers, forge ahead, and continue to advance!
Badfu 2019 New Product Launch Ceremony
Product Development Center Mr. Wang Wenyi "Badfu 2019 New Product Promotion"
Mr. Ma Yongnan, President of Shaanxi Coatings Industry Association, and Mr. Liu Haijun, Secretary General; Mr. Zhang Xiaowu, General Manager of Marketing and Service System of Badfu Group, Mr. Liu Lei, Director of Operations Management Department, Mr. Tang Hongwei, Director of Public Relations, and Mr. Li Shaohua, Sales Director of Southwest China The opening ceremony of Defu's new product in 2019 kicked off. The shining picture heralds the full vitality of Bardford, and also symbolizes the hard work and strength of the guests and leaders for Bardford.
This event is a prestigious preparation by Badfu, dedicated to all the partners in Shaanxi, and Mr. Wang Wenyi, senior manager of the Group's R&D center, unveiled the mystery of new products for everyone. Every detail of the development is full of ingenuity, product quality is always the first, repeated trials and multiple market surveys, only to achieve the dazzling new products in the press conference.
The samples and models of the new products of Badfu displayed in the product display area outside the venue successfully won the attention of participating customers and became the protagonist of this press conference. The short coffee break attracted many customers to stop and watch and consult. The atmosphere was lively, the interaction was frequent, the climax was constant, and the voice was full.
The industry's great coffee
Mr. Shi Qinglin, General Manager of Zhitao Planning Team
"Suggestions for the Development of Small and Medium Paint Enterprises"
Marketing Promotion Department Mr. Wei Rong "Special Report on Colorful Coatings"
Marketing Promotion Department Mr. Tang Runling "Special Report on Waterborne Industrial Coatings"
Mr. Peng Chuanming, Waterproof Marketing Department, "Waterproof Market Development Sharing"
The keynote speech of the conference is also very impressive. Senior industry experts and lecturers have made in-depth discussions on the status quo and development trends of multiple paint fields such as art coatings, colorful exterior paints, waterproof coatings, and water-based industrial paints. The market changes rapidly, and only through continuous learning and self-breaking to meet market demand can we be invincible. Mr. Shi Qinglin, a painter in the paint industry, "Development Recommendations for Small and Medium-Sized Paint Enterprises", gave a multi-dimensional insight into the current situation of the paint industry in Shaanxi, and gave many inspiring suggestions for how paint companies can stand in the fierce competition. Constantly adjusting the company's strategy to meet the needs of the market and customers can make the company full of permanent vitality. During the meeting, the sparks of wisdom collided all the time, and the guests at the scene received a lot.
Loud music, singing the ancient capital of the world. The sound of drums shook the sky and sounded through the Silk Road. On the evening of August 10, a magnificent inspiration kicked off our dinner. The gorgeous dance posture and enthusiastic drumming ignited the morale and knocked out the passion. That night, we gathered in Xi'an, the ancient capital of the thirteen dynasties, to share this bright lights, build a vision, and share a bright future.
Budfu's thank you dinner prepared a variety of performances for the guests. There are folk songs in northern Shaanxi: "Sandan Danhua blossoming brightly", "Liangliang"; Dance: "Nose Dress", "Fashion Dance"; Acrobatics: "Space Walk". There is also an impromptu singing performance by our director of public relations, Tang. The splendid program detonated the audience, with screams and applause coming and going.
The development of Bardford is inseparable from the support of every excellent customer, with the responsibility of promoting global water-based, surging forward and constantly catching up and surpassing. From product initiation to research and development, every detail, we strive for the ultimate. Looking back at the past, the ingenuity is unchanged, looking forward to the future, ambitious. Facing the fierce market competition, Bad Fu can only embrace the challenge in a more diligent state.


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Close on the heels of its take-over of Joyco’s operations in India as part of its global acquisition of the Spanish Joyco Group, confectionery major Wrigley is believed to be setting the pace for its first launch in the country: a sugar-free chewing gum brand called Orbit.
The product is expected to hit the retail stores in September 2004, sources said, though the company refused to confirm the launch. Orbit’s launch assumes significance since that will make Wrigley the first confectionery company in the country to tap the sugar-free segment, a growing market worldwide, but almost non-existent at home.
While antiquity of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act has so far restricted confectionery majors such as Perfetti Van Melle, HLL, Nestle and ITC from tapping this high potential category, a draft notification allowing sugar- confectionery issued last year by the health ministry could be a trigger behind Wrigley’s Orbit launch in India.
It is, however, not clear whether Wrigley plans to import the product or manufacture it locally at its chewing gum facility in Bangalore or at Joyco’s factory located at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. A questionnaire sent to Wrigley India on the issue elicited no response.
A sugar-free chewing gum, Orbit is a widely popular brand from Wrigley and is available in variants including sugar-free Orbit lozenges drops, Orbit Health and Orbit Ice White.
Wrigley’s proposed Orbit launch is also seen as a step towards strengthening its chewing gum portfolio which has not performed as well so far. Globally, Wrigley is known as the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of chewing gum, with global sales of over $3 billion. Now, with Joyco’s distribution to fall back upon, Wrigley may try to leverage the distribution and marketing strength.
Joyco’s brands in India include Boomer bubble gum, Pim Pom lollipops, and Solano candy besides Bonkers soft chews and Trex chewing gum. The company with an estimated turnover of Rs 200 crore has a leading position in bubble gum and lollipops, while it is No. 2 in deposited candy segments.
Meanwhile, according to sources, restructuring of the Indian operations as a fall-out of global acquisition has been completed.
According to them, Joyco head Arun Hegde has been named managing director of the yet-to-be officially name entity while Sanjay Katoch, the erstwhile head of Wrigley India, has been named head marketing and sales.
Wrigley’s acquisition of certain confectionery businesses of the Joyco Group from Agrolimen, a privately-held Spanish conglomerate, was closed in April 2004 for approximately $260 million.
Apart from its key brands like Boomer bubble gum, Pim Pom lollipops, and Solano candy, Wrigley also acquired major sales and production operations in China, India and Spain, smaller commercial operations in France, Italy and Poland, as well as Cafosa, Joyco’s gum base business.
Wrigley’s other brands include Doublemint, Wrigley’s Spearmint, Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Winterfresh, Extra, Freedent, Hubba Bubba, Orbit, Excel, Eclipse, Airwaves, Alpine, Cool Air, and P.K. chewing gums.